The Leaflet is a mini-update from the City of Maple Plain; just a glance at recent Council discussions or other issues. If you have questions or ideas for future updates, please send them to cityadmin@mapleplain.com.
The general election took place on 11/5/24. Maple Plain's 1,041 people, or 88.5% of registered voters, participated in the election.
The local races on the ballot were the Mayor and two city council positions. The citizens of Maple Plain reelect Julie M. Maas-Kusske as mayor. For the city council, citizens reelected Mike DeLuca and elected Rochelle Arvizo as Council Member.
City Online Payment Method Changing on December 1st
The City of Maple Plain has switched payment processing companies to lower city costs and create efficiencies. Customers will need to set up new accounts with MuniciPAY to continue making payments for Utility Bills, Permits & Licenses. Payments via PSN (Payment Service Network) will no longer be accepted as of December 1, 2024. There are no fees to customers unless there is a returned payment. The fee for a returned payment will be the amount allowed by MN state statute. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
For more information, visit: www.mapleplain.com/OnlinePayments(MUNICIPAY)
Maple Plain Congratulates Shawn Ebeling On His Promotion To Sergeant At West Hennepin Public Safety
West Hennepin Public Safety is proud to announce Shawn Ebeling has been promoted as Sergeant for West Hennepin Public Safety Department. After an extensive internal promotional process Sergeant Ebeling was selected to lead our patrol officers. Sergeant Ebeling has 17 years of law enforcement experience. Seven years of service at West Hennepin Public Safety and ten years of service at Cottage Grove Police Department. During his law enforcement career, he has served in a dual role as a police officer and paramedic, investigator, use of force instructor, firearms instructor, drug recognition expert, and field training officer.
Chief Kroells stated, "Our agency is honored to have Shawn Ebeling promoted to Sergeant. His strong leadership and futuristic thinking will lead our agency into the future and professionally serve our citizens”.
Sergeant Ebeling stated, “I look forward to my new role as a Sergeant. I am excited to serve our agency, our dedicated police officers and the citizens of Maple Plain and Independence."
Maple Plain Welcome Gabriela William to West Hennepin Public Safety
West Hennepin Public Safety is proud to introduce the newest member of our team, Gabriela Williams, as a patrol officer. Officer Williams is currently serving in the Minnesota Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer and Corrections and Detention Specialist. She also spent four years assigned to the Counterdrug Task Force as an analyst with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas. Officer Williams holds an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Southern New Hampshire University.
Chief Kroells stated, "Our agency is fortunate to have Officer Williams join our team. Throughout our hiring process we seek out officers with high moral character. Officer Williams fits this requirement. Our community will be well served by Officer Williams”.
Officer Williams stated, “I’m thrilled to introduce myself as a new Police Officer to our communities. I am excited to start my career at West Hennepin Public Safety Department. It is an honor to join the team and serve the citizens of Maple Plain and Independence."
2024 Special Assessment Hearing: Street & Infrastructure Improvement Project
The City of Maple Plain continues to advance its 2024 Street & Infrastructure Improvement Project, which focuses on reconstructing essential city infrastructure, including water and sewer lines, streets, storm sewers, and curbs in key areas. As part of this ongoing project, a Special Assessment Public Hearing will be held on November 18, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Maple Plain City Council Chambers. This meeting will discuss the amount to be assessed to the affected homeowners. This project covered Independence Street (between Budd Avenue and Howard Avenue), Bryant Street, Wyman Avenue, and other areas. Improvements included full street reconstruction, sanitary sewer and water main replacements, storm sewer extensions, and enhancements to curb and gutter systems.
The City Council will review the proposed assessments for the benefiting properties along the project route at the hearing. Property owners will receive mailed notices with detailed information about the assessment amounts and how they are calculated. All affected property owners are strongly encouraged to attend to learn more about the project, ask questions, and give feedback. The project, estimated at $4.6 million, will partly be funded through special assessments and various city funds. The public hearing is an important opportunity for residents to participate in the process and understand how these improvements will enhance the community. For more information, please get in touch with Maple Plain City Hall.
We look forward to your participation in improving the infrastructure that serves Maple Plain.
Please join us for a Veterans Day 2024 celebration. The Orono High School, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Orono, will host a community Veterans Day program on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 8:45 - 9:30 am in the Orono High School gymnasium. The program will include speakers, patriotic music, the Paul Stinson VFW Post #514 Color Guard, and the opportunity to meet and show your appreciation for our Service Veterans. Immediately following the program, all Veterans and their guests are invited to a reception. Be sure to periodically check the City’s Website and/or Facebook page for up-to-date program information.
Mayor for a Day Essay Contest
What would our cities look like if kids were in charge?
The Mayor for a Day Essay Contest is back to find out!
To enter, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders can answer the prompt, “What would you do if you were mayor for a day?” for a chance to win $100 and recognition in Minnesota Cities magazine.
The deadline for submissions is Dec. 13. Students and parents/guardians can submit essays via an online form, a PDF email attachment, or through the mail. Winners only will be notified in early January. Some cities may provide additional local recognition for participants.
For more info., click the link here.
Winter Parking Restrictions
Maple Plain's winter parking restrictions. Don't park your car on the street between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. or after a three-inch or more snowfall from November 1 through April 15. This not only ensures more effective plowing but also helps you avoid a citation.
Yard Waste, Brush, & Christmas Tree Collection
Yard Waste: Through Republic Services, yard waste and brush are collected free of charge on garbage collection day (Monday) through November (November 25, 2024), weather permitting. Like refuse, yard waste must be placed in compostable bags (paper bags) and set out for collection by 6:00 am.
Christmas Trees: Non-artificial (live) Christmas trees are collected free of charge during the first two weeks of January. Trees must be set out curbside without bags and free of ornaments, tinsel, garland, and lights. Trees longer than 8 feet must be cut into sections.
Organic Recycling
Hennepin County is now enforcing rules under Ordinance 13 for handling organic waste. Cities must offer organic recycling to all households that have curbside recycling services. These rules were part of changes made to the county’s recycling ordinance in November 2018. The recycling ordinance aims to help the environment by reducing waste and recycling as much as possible. Diverting organic materials, like food scraps and yard waste, is one of the best ways to reduce trash. A waste study by Hennepin County found that organic materials make up 25-35% of what we throw away. Increasing organic waste collection is a major step toward reaching the county’s zero-waste and climate action goals, which aim to keep 90% of waste out of landfills or incinerators. Cities must offer organic recycling, and state law mandates that all residents have access to this service. Although households are not required to participate in organics recycling, starting January 1st, Maple Plain will comply with Ordinance 13 and set up a public organics drop-off site with a dumpster provided by Republic Services near the Public Works building (1645 Pioneer Ave.).